Azathioprine Injection

• Type: Immunosuppressant medication

• Main Ingredient: Azathioprine

• Form: Injectable solution (usually given intravenously under medical supervision)

How It Works

• Azathioprine is converted in the body to 6-mercaptopurine, which interferes with DNA and RNA synthesis.

• This slows down the growth and activity of immune system cells (like lymphocytes).

• The result is suppression of immune response, which helps prevent the immune system from attacking the body’s own tissues or rejecting transplanted organs.

Common Uses

• Prevention of organ transplant rejection (kidney, liver, heart)

• Autoimmune diseases, such as:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

  • Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)

  • Autoimmune hepatitis

• Used when oral azathioprine cannot be taken or when rapid effect is required.

Advantages

• Effective long-term immunosuppressant

• Can reduce or eliminate the need for corticosteroids in autoimmune conditions

• Intravenous form allows use in patients who cannot take oral medications

Possible Side Effects

• Bone marrow suppression (low white blood cells, anemia, low platelets)

• Increased risk of infections

• Nausea, vomiting

• Liver toxicity (elevated liver enzymes, rare hepatitis)

• Hair loss (rare, usually reversible)

• Long-term use: slight increased risk of certain cancers (like lymphoma, skin cancer)

Precautions

• Requires regular blood tests to monitor blood counts and liver function

• Avoid use in patients with severe bone marrow suppression

• Increased caution in patients with liver problems

• Should not be used in pregnancy unless clearly necessary (risk vs. benefit considered)

• Avoid live vaccines during treatment, as immune response may be suppressed